The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching
2020 Presidential Debate
The first of three scheduled debates between Donald Trump and Joe Biden will be a crucible. Never since the dawn of the television era have the presidential candidates of the two major parties entered the stage having painted the consequences of their opponent’s election in such apocalyptic terms. Trump’s history of bold mendacity complicates the dynamics. Which man, if either, will be thrown off-balance by the other’s attacks? Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9 p.m., most major networks
American Murder: The Family Next Door
Chris Watts remains one of the most chilling American murderers of recent years. In August 2018, TV cameras caught him at home in Frederick, Colo., two days after he killed his pregnant wife and two young daughters and disposed of their bodies. From his empty five-bedroom home, a picture of contemporary domestic bliss, Watts delivered emotional pleas for his family’s safe return, only to be arrested within hours. This unflinching documentary details Watts’ crimes while examining the psychology that makes such acts possible. Available for streaming Wednesday, Sept. 30, Netflix
The Boys in the Band
A groundbreaking 1968 Broadway play returns in a deft screen adaptation from TV savant Ryan Murphy and Broadway director Joe Mantello. Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, Matt Bomer, and Andrew Rannells lead an incredible ensemble cast in reviving Mart Crowley’s drama about a gay birthday party in 1960s New York City that turns emotionally dangerous when the host challenges each guest to call his one true love and confess his feelings. Available for streaming Wednesday, Sept. 30, Netflix
The Glorias
Gloria Steinem’s life story is so big that director Julie Taymor tapped two great stars to bring it to the screen. Alicia Vikander and Julianne Moore play the activist in her adult years, as she transitions from accomplished journalist to the face of the women’s liberation movement and co-founder of Ms. magazine. Aside from a few tête-à-têtes